Belgian Group Sues Israeli Contractor in Georgia for Alleged War Crimes
The Belgian pro-Palestinian organization, Hind Rajab Foundation, has filed a complaint against an Israeli citizen in Georgia, accusing him of involvement in war crimes and genocide. The individual, identified as a contractor and owner of a demolition company, was allegedly working for the Israeli military, operating heavy engineering equipment in the Gaza Strip. The complaint was lodged with the Prosecutor General's office in Batumi, Georgia, while the Israeli was on vacation there.
The organization is demanding an investigation and that the Israeli be prevented from leaving the country until the allegations are clarified. Georgian authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether an investigation has been opened, and the Israeli's response is currently unknown. This marks a new tactic for the foundation, which has previously targeted soldiers and reservists, but is now attempting to hold a private contractor criminally responsible.
The Hind Rajab Foundation claims the contractor operated bulldozers and excavators used to destroy homes, schools, and infrastructure in Gaza, acting in service of the IDF. Evidence cited includes social media posts from May 2025 by the contractor, showing him working in various Gaza locations like Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Khan Younis, with captions allegedly glorifying the destruction.
This action follows a similar complaint filed by the foundation against Israeli athlete Elitzur Gitler in France just one day prior. The foundation, registered in Brussels and led by Diab Abu Jajah, who has alleged ties to Hezbollah, has a history of pursuing legal action against Israelis involved in activities in Gaza. They have filed complaints in numerous countries including Greece, Italy, Brazil, Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, India, and Thailand, often using soldiers' social media posts as evidence.
Diab Abu Jajah stated that the destruction of Gaza involved a "whole system, including civilian contractors." Natasha Brack, the organization's head of litigation, asserted that private earthmoving companies have become "tools" in committing the alleged offenses.